Labour’s front bench isn’t always as sullen as that. Bridget and Liz looked quite semi-detached, Rachel medicated, Angela brooding, Yvette pickled in her own vinegar – only Wes projecting optimistic confidence.
The one actually cheerful presence was the Government chief whip who had managed to get a backbench cheer going when their leader goose-stepped into the chamber throwing Nazi salutes (some details enhanced for dramatic purposes).
Starmer continues to face backlash over his ‘island of strangers’ comments on Monday. Guido has noted the sudden change of tune from Starmer and his Cabinet on migration controls…
Plaid Cymru MP Liz Roberts used PMQs to mock Starmer for his flip-flopping, jibing:
“He once spoke of compassion and dignity for migrants and for defending free movement Now he talks of islands of strangers and taking back control. Somebody here has to call this out Mr Speaker. It seems the only principle he consistently defends is whichever he last heard in a focus group. So I ask him is there any belief he holds which survives a week in Downing Street?”
Starmer came back: “Yes, the belief that she talks rubbish.” Meanwhile Nigel Farage used his question to call on Starmer to declare a national emergency over the rising number of small boat migrants. Slogans are one thing…
Kemi Badenoch at the 1922-ConHome bash last night:
“I did praise [Burnham] for his stamina, it was amazing. All I had to do was sit back and lie there. I didn’t have to do anything at all…”